Testing New Topaz Infocus

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks;

Topaz came out with Infocus yesterday, super deal, reg $69 for $29.95 until Dec. 3 rd.

Tried it out on this Anna's Hummingbird in our garden for the first time using one of the presets.

Haven't read the user's guide yet, but think it also does a bit of enhancing.

Looking forward to your comments

Gus

Olympus E-3, Zuiko ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD, @ 400 mm equiv.
AP: F/7.1, 1/1600s, ISO 400, -1.00eV, CWA, sRGB, AWB

[Gus Hallgren]

For a comparison, One pass of Smart Sharpen . . . dark spots not muted, comparing Hummingbirds only

[Ian Cassell]

It's an interesting comparison, Gus (and a very nice image of the Anna's too). The first looks a tad oversharpened to me. What is Infocus supposed to do?

[Jay Gould]

Gus, which preset did you use? The InFocus image has a much more evident halo.

I too am using the program; so far only on landscapes.

There are controls to use after applying the preset to tone it down if necessary.

TFS

[Dave Leroy]

The first looks a bit too contrasty and over sharpened to me.

Very nice pose and I like how the body is turned slightly toward the camera.

BG is spot on.

Dave

[Gus Hallgren]

HI Folks;

Thanks for looking and your comments. I too thouht it showed a halo which I think the "Remove artifacts" slider would remedy. I remember there were 3 presets when I opened the program, and I think I used Minor. Using my Netbook at the moment with no CS5. Remember I had to click arrows mid screen on either side to bring up 3 windows. Also, there is extensive Users Guide in Menu on bottom right side. As Bill Gates used to say, I didn't RTFM.

IMHO, I think the program has merit.

Happy Thanksgiving

Gus Hallgren

BTW: Dave, did or do you live in N. Van? Notice you didn't list at Lower Delta.

[Gus Hallgren]

Good morning;

Redone without using presets, and used manual controls including "Prevent Artifacts" set all the way to right, and small amounts of other options while watching preview.

Noticed it brought tongue out.

Eagerly awaiting your comments as they will influence my decision to continue with program.

Have a great day

Gus

[Jay Gould]

Good morning;

Redone without using presets, and used manual controls including "Prevent Artifacts" set all the way to right, and small amounts of other options while watching preview.

Noticed it brought tongue out.

Eagerly awaiting your comments as they will influence my decision to continue with program.

Have a great day

Gus

It is startling better!

And, you cannot make a decision based upon how it deal with one bird. I think it is probably a better program for landscapes. Having said that I really like the RP.

[Dave Leroy]

Third post is the best for sure, although this one has funky looking bg in front of bird on right edge.

I think I prefer the bg in the opening post.

I live in Delta Gus. It is much gtoo rainy in North Van. We are getting snow today so will be fun driving.

Dave

[Julie Kenward]

I also bought it as the reduced price because of all the friends who send me their blurry OOF images and ask me to fix them. I thought maybe this would have an edge to it over CS4.

Gus, I like the last repost - using the manual sliders is probably the way to go 99% of the time. I also haven't read the manual and have barely even looked at the program yet but I'm hoping to get to it this weekend.

Very nice hummingbird image - and the tongue sticking out - well, you just gotta love it! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!

[WIlliam Maroldo]

There is a video for Infocus that is quite useful. Here

regards~Bill

[Johan Kruger]

The 3rd post is really nice, beautiful bird !

[Jay Gould]

Bill, thanks for the link!!

Very educational and I am glad I bought the product.